Method for distribution of wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) capability between point to point and point to multipoint services

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus for arranging wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) capability distribution between point to point (PtP) and point to multipoint (PtM) services. The method addresses PtP/PtM specific and common capabilities shared between PtM and PtP. The method utilizes procedures and different scenarios to coordinate establishment/release of PtP and PtM services and distribution of WTRU PtP/PtM capabilities within a universal mobile telecommunication system terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/729,675, filed Dec. 5, 2003, which in turn claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/446,716, filed Feb. 11, 2003, which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention generally relates to wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) capability, and more particularly to a method for distribution of WTRU capability between point to point (PtP) and point to multipoint (PtM) services.

BACKGROUND

It is generally known that WTRU capabilities identify transport and physical processing abilities. Transport capabilities define transport channel attributes such as the number of transmitted bits per frame, the number of different combinations of bits allowed, and other similar parameters. Physical capabilities define the number and types of physical channels including parameters such as allowed spreading factors and other similar parameters.

For PtP services, it is noted that radio bearers (RBs) are controlled by the serving radio network controller (S-RNC). The S-RNC coordinates RB establishment, data transmission, release and maintenance of the quality of service (QoS).

In advance of establishment of PtP RBs, the WTRU signals its capabilities to the S-RNC. Physical resources are determined by the controlling RNC (C-RNC) and, for proper determination of physical resources, the S-RNC then relays the capability information to the C-RNC.

For PtM services, RBs are managed by the C-RNC. Similar to the PtP case, the C-RNC coordinates establishment, transmission, and release of PtM RBs. For proper configuration of PtM transport and physical channels, it is necessary to know the PtM capabilities of the WTRU associated with the PtM service. It is therefore necessary to define procedures that provide this information to the C-RNC.

Since PtP and PtM services can exist simultaneously, it is necessary to coordinate transmission of these services so that WTRU capabilities are used efficiently and not exceeded.

Some WTRUs will not have the capability to receive both PtP and PtM services simultaneously, and other WTRUs will have to distribute capabilities between these service types. It is therefore necessary and desirable to coordinate the assignment of WTRU capabilities between the PtP and PtM services. Additionally, since PtP services are managed by the S-RNC and PtM services are managed by the C-RNC, it is desirable to have procedures in place to coordinate the use of WTRU capabilities between the two aforementioned types of RNCs.

SUMMARY

The invention provides a method of arranging WTRU capability distribution between PtP and PtM services, and describes different scenarios to coordinate establishment and distribution of WTRU PtP/PtM capabilities within a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), as an example. The invention also provides different scenarios for management of PtP/PtM services to enhance efficiencies of a communications network providing PtP and PtM services not heretofore obtainable employing conventional techniques.

PtM/PtP specific or common capabilities shared between PtM and PtP include:

To coordinate WTRU capabilities between PtM and PtP services, independent capabilities may be identified specific for each service. New PtM capabilities are added to the existing PtP capabilities. To limit the number of PtP/PtM combinations, an index can be specified to indicate certain preferred combinations of PtM and PtP capabilities.

An indicator may also be specified in WTRU capabilities if both PtM and PtP services can be received simultaneously or not. In the case where PtM and PtP cannot be received simultaneously, the PtM and PtP independent capabilities are mutually exclusive lists.

In the case of common PtM and PtP capabilities that are shared between PtP and PtM services, the S-RNC and C-RNC coordinate the distribution of capabilities between PtP and PtM services. When simultaneous support of PtP and PtM services is not indicated, the WTRU capabilities are dedicated either to the PtP or PtM service.

Exemplary procedures to coordinate establishment of PtP and PtM services and distribution of WTRU PtP/PtM capabilities within a UTRAN include:

In accordance with existing procedures, the S-RNC is informed of WTRU PtP and PtM capabilities upon establishment of a Radio Resource Control (RRC) Radio Access Network (RAN) connection. This embodiment of the invention provides mechanisms for identifying WTRU capabilities to the C-RNC that are available for PtM services. Additionally, procedures are defined for coordination of WTRU PtP and PtM capabilities between S-RNCs and C-RNCs when both services are active simultaneously and may establish or release asynchronously relative to each other.

The C-RNC is informed of either PtP/PtM common or PtM specific WTRU capabilities upon WTRU entry to any cell controlled by this C-RNC. This can be accomplished with modification to the existing cell update procedure when the WTRU does not have an active dedicated PtP service, with modification to the radio link (RL) Setup procedure when a dedicated PtP service exists, and/or with an additional new procedure initiated by the C-RNC upon activation of the PtM service.

When the WTRU does not already have an established, dedicated PtP service, each time the WTRU enters a new cell or a PtM distribution area comprising more than one cell, the WTRU will initiate the existing cell update procedure. The purpose for the existing cell update procedure is to update the WTRU location and correspondingly update UTRAN routing to establish a new transmission path to the WTRU. Upon receipt of the cell update, the S-RNC determines if the WTRU has an activated PtM service and, if so, returns the PtM WTRU capability in the cell update confirmation to the C-RNC. Alternatively, the PtM WTRU capability information is provided to the C-RNC as a separate message (i.e., service activation/PtM RB setup). In either case, it is the cell update procedure that triggers the PtM capability to be signaled to the C-RNC.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more detailed understanding of the invention may be had from the following description of preferred embodiments, given by way of example and to be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are designated by like numerals and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a PtM WTRU capability procedure when entering a new cell, when no dedicated PtP service exists;

FIG. 2 illustrates a scenario similar to that in FIG. 1, but including activation by a separate procedure;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the PtM WTRU capability procedure upon dedicated PtP establishment and handover to cells controlled by another C-RNC with a separate procedure to establish PtM service;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the PtM WTRU capability upon dedicated PtP establishment and handover to cells controlled by another C-RNC with a single procedure;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of WTRU capabilities in PtM activation with an optional subsequent capability request procedure; and

FIG. 6 shows an illustration of PtM services upon PtP establishment when WTRU capabilities do not allow for simultaneous PtP/PtM support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Although the features and elements of the present invention are described in the preferred embodiments in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone (without the other features and elements of the preferred embodiments) or in various combinations with or without other features and elements of the present invention.

Hereafter, a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) includes but is not limited to a user equipment, mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, pager, or any other type of device capable of operating in a wireless environment. When referred to hereafter, a base station includes but is not limited to a Node-B, site controller, access point or any other type of interfacing device in a wireless environment. 

1. A method employed by a controlling radio network controller (C-RNC) and a serving RNC (S-RNC) for allocating capabilities to a wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRU) for point to point (PtP) and point to multipoint (PtM) services, comprising: said C-RNC: conveying communication capabilities obtained from said WTRU to said S-RNC; said S-RNC: allocating capabilities responsive to at least a desired one of said PtP and PtM services and the capabilities of said WTRU communicated to the C-RNC; and conveying the allocations to said C-RNC.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said C-RNC: provides PtM service to said WTRU employing allocations provided by said S-RNC.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein S-RNC allocates PtP service to the WTRU in addition to the PtM service based upon allocations communicated to the S-NRC from the C-NRC.
 4. A method for controlling point to point (PtP) and point to multipoint (PtM) services in wireless communications wherein at least one wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRU) is capable of communications with a plurality of cells, each cell having a controlling radio network controller (C-RNC) and a serving RNC (S-RNC) comprising; said WTRU: selecting one of said cells; and providing the C-RNC of said one of said cells with a cell update identifying capabilities of the WTRU; said C-RNC of said one of said cells: providing the cell update to the S-RNC of said one of said cells; said S-RNC of said one of said cells: confirming the cell update of the WTRU to said C-RNC of said one of said cells; and upon activation of one of said PtM service and PtP service, conveying capabilities of the WTRU to be allocated for the activated service to the C-RNC of said one of said cells.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein said C-RNC of said one of said cells: initiates the activated service to the WTRU employing capabilities allocated by said S-RNC of said one of said cells.
 6. The method of claim 4 wherein said S-RNC of said one of said cells: confirms a cell update directly to the WTRU responsive to receipt of a cell update from said C-RNC of said one of said cells.
 7. A method for enhancing point to point (PtP) and point to multipoint (PtM) services provided to a WTRU by a cell having an S-RNC and a C-RNC, comprising: said WTRU: creating a handover condition; said S-RNC: initiating a radio link (RL) setup request with said C-RNC responsive to said handover condition; said C-RNC: providing the S-RNC with PtP resources, responsive to the RL setup request; said S-RNC: instructing the C-RNC to activate PtM capabilities; said C-RNC: providing confirmation to the S-RNC activation instruction; and said S-RNC: providing a handover request to the WTRU.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein said C-RNC: initiates PtM service.
 9. A method for enhancing point to point (PtP) and point to multipoint (PtM) services provided to a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) by a cell having a C-RNC and an S-RNC, comprising: said WTRU: initiating a handover condition; said S-RNC: initiating a radio link (RL) setup request with said C-RNC responsive to a handover condition; said C-RNC: acknowledging the RL setup request and establishing PtM capabilities; said S-RNC: conveying a handover request to the WTRU responsive to said acknowledgment; and said C-RNC: initiating PtM service to the WTRU in accordance with PtM capabilities provided by said S-RNC.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the S-RNC: stores capabilities obtained from the WTRU; and conveys the stored capabilities to a C-RNC that will communicate with the WTRU responsive to a handover.
 11. A method for establishing point to multipoint (PtM) service for at least one wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRU) entering a cell having a C-RNC and an S-RNC, comprising: said WTRU: providing a cell update to the cell; said C-RNC: informing said S-RNC, responsive to said WTRU's cell update; and said S-RNC: confirming said cell update to said WTRU; and initiating PtM service.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said WTRU providing a cell update further comprises: providing transport and physical processing capabilities.
 13. Apparatus for allocating capabilities for point to point (PtP) and point to multipoint (PtM) services, comprising: a controlling radio network controller (C-RNC) comprising: means for conveying communication capabilities obtained from a wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRU) to a serving RNC (S-RNC); said S-RNC comprising: means for allocating capabilities responsive to a desired service; and means for conveying the allocations to said C-RNC; and said C-RNC further comprises: means for providing PtM service to said WTRU employing capabilities provided by said S-RNC.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said S-RNC comprises means for servicing a plurality of C-RNCs.
 15. Apparatus for controlling point to point (PtP) and point to multipoint (PtM) services in wireless communications comprising; a wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRU) comprising: means for selecting a new cell; and means for providing a controlling radio network controller (C-RNC) in the new cell with a cell update identifying capabilities of the WTRU; said C-RNC comprising: means for providing the cell update to a serving RNC (S-RNC); and said S-RNC comprising: means for confirming the cell update of the WTRU to said C-RNC; and means for conveying capabilities of the WTRU to be allocated for PtM service responsive to activation of PtM service.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said C-RNC comprises: means to initiate PtM service to the WTRU employing capabilities allocated by said S-RNC.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said S-RNC comprises: means to confirm a cell update directly to the WTRU responsive to receipt of a cell update from said C-RNC.
 18. Apparatus for enhancing point to point (PtP) and point to multipoint (PtM) services provided to a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) comprising: said WTRU: initiating a handover condition; a serving radio network controller (S-RNC) comprising: means to initiate a radio link (RL) setup request with a controlling RNC (C-RNC) responsive to said handover condition; said C-RNC comprising: means for providing said S-RNC with PtP resources, responsive to the RL setup request; said S-RNC further comprising: means for instructing said C-RNC to activate PtM capabilities; said C-RNC further comprising: means for providing confirmation to said S-RNC activation instruction; and said S-RNC comprising: means for providing a handover request to the WTRU.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the C-RNC comprises: means to initiate PtM service.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said S-RNC comprises means for servicing a plurality of C-RNCs.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the said S-RNC further comprises means to store capabilities obtained from the WTRU; and means to convey the stored capabilities to one of said plurality of C-RNCs that will communicate with the WTRU responsive to a handover.
 22. Apparatus for enhancing point to point (PtP) and point to multipoint (PtM) services provided to a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), comprising: said WTRU comprising: means for initiating a handover condition; a serving radio network controller (S-RNC) comprising: means for initiating a radio link (RL) setup request with a controlling RNC (C-RNC) responsive to said handover condition; said C-RNC comprising: means for acknowledging the RL setup request and establishing PtM capabilities; said S-RNC further comprising: means for conveying a handover request to the WTRU responsive to said acknowledgment; and said C-RNC comprising: means for initiating PtM service to the WTRU.
 23. Apparatus for establishing point to multipoint (PtM) service for at least one wireless transmitter/receiver unit (WTRU) entering a cell, comprising: said WTRU comprising: means for providing a cell update to the cell; a controlling radio network controller (C-RNC) in the cell comprising: means for informing a serving radio network controller (S-RNC) in the cell of said update, responsive to the WTRU's cell update; and said S-RNC comprising: means for confirming said cell update to said WTRU responsive to said C-RNC.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said WTRU providing a cell update further comprises: means for providing transport and physical processing capabilities.
 25. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said S-RNC comprises means for allocating capabilities for PtM service responsive to the capabilities provided by said WTRU. 